Sean Johnson Talks USMNT Call-Up Against Jamaica

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson was earlier today named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for next Saturday’s World Cup qualifying match at Jamaica. The call up is Johnson’s third this year and comes most recently after being part of the U.S. squad to beat Mexico at the Azteca last month.

“It’s exciting,” Johnson told Chicago-Fire.com pregame Sunday. “Coming off the last camp, to get back in right away is something I can be proud of as a player. I’m ready to get back in and work hard. I’m excited to meet and work with some guys that I’ve never played with before and just work towards being part of that core.”

The call-up against Jamaica has an extra special tie for Johnson whose mother hails from the Caribbean nation. The third-year Fire keeper even contemplated a future with Reggae Boyz after taking part in camps for the country’s U-17 and U-20 squads in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

“This call-up has a bit more significance for me. With my background being Jamaican, that’s part of who I am. I haven’t been there in about four years so just going back is special for me but we have a job to get done going there and that’s what my focus is on.”

Despite his involvement in the Jamaican camps, Johnson decided to play for the country of his birth and was part of the U.S. U-20 World Youth Championship side in 2009. He’s gone on to earn two full international caps since first debuting for the Men’s National Team in January 2011.

One of four goalkeepers on Juergen Klinsmann’s 25-man roster, Johnson will return to Chicago on Saturday, September 8 in advance of the Fire’s international friendly that night against Mexican club Santos Laguna.